Viona J. Brown, 77, North Manchester, died peacefully in her sleep on Dec. 20 at 7:35 p.m. She was born Aug. 27, 1936 in Wichita, Kan. to Howard and Mabel Gray.

Viona was an elementary school teacher. She was a member of the Manchester Church of the Brethren. Viona married Kenneth Brown on July 18, 1960. He died Nov. 3, 2010. She was a graduate of Friends University, Wichita, Kan. and attended Bethany Seminary in Chicago. She was a North Manchester resident since 1961. Viona was a lifelong teacher, having taught French, English and Art in North Manchester and Warsaw. With Ken, Viona played a huge role in the lives of students at Manchester University for over 50 years.

Funeral services will be held Jan. 4 at 2 p.m. at Manchester Church of the Brethren, 1306 N. Beckley Street, North Manchester, with Pastor Karen Eberly officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

Preferred memorials may be made to the Kenneth and Viona Brown Peace Fund c/o Manchester University, 604 East College Ave., North Manchester, IN 46962.